Tom Morello, Chicagoland native and musician widely known for his work in Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, lead an illuminating discussion about his creative life, career choices and Hollywood at Chicago’s C2E2 comic book and pop culture convention Friday night.
Tom, who grew up in conservative Libertyville in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, developed a taste for comics at an early age, he told a lively audience. His experience as the only Black kid in the predominately White suburb informed his decision to become a metal guitarist and triggered his interest in comics.
Tom told fans that he moved to Los Angeles to become a rockstar, but wasn’t accepted by the hairbands on the Sunset Strip. He did’nt have the hair or the skin he says. Taking his cue to leave Dodge, Tom migrated east to the Silverlake area, where he fell in with the likes of drug users and prostitutes. His experience with rejection by the mainstream and acceptance by the underclass informs Orchid, Tom’s 12-issue comic book series sold by Dark Horse.
Tom told fans he was drawn to comics as a form of escapism as a child, but left it for guitar once he developed a political conscience. He returned to comics after reading V for Vendetta and Red Star, comics which deftly tackled some of the political issues concerning Tom. His Orchid story addresses the class issues Tom wrestled with. He sees Orchid as bridging the gap between his music and political leanings, as each issue of the comic contains a free download of original music written as a soundtrack for the comic.
His discussion with fans about influential graphic novels like V for Vendetta led to a lively discussion about the Watchmen adaptation. Morello did not hold back when he said he thought the film was hard to watch. He took particular issue with the film’s lengthy love scene accompanied by music he believes did not enhance the story.
When asked by a fan about whether he has plans to run for political office given his outspoken political inclinations, Tom gave a resounding ‘no.’ But he did say he plans to attend the NATO protests in Chicago.